Institutional Research Teams Propel Ethical AI for Student Success

Bassyonni

ago 8 hours

Institutional Research Teams Propel Ethical AI for Student Success

Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming higher education, yet the challenge remains: how can institutions implement ethical AI practices effectively? The Institutional Research & Effectiveness Services (IRES), a part of Ellucian, equips educational institutions with necessary tools for responsible AI integration. By establishing data governance frameworks and ethical analytics, IRES aids higher education leaders in making evidence-based decisions that enhance student success.

The Role of Institutional Research Professionals in Ethical AI Adoption

Institutional research (IR) and institutional effectiveness (IE) professionals are critical to facilitating the ethical adoption of AI technologies on campuses. According to the 2024 Ellucian AI Industry Report, these professionals are often early adopters of AI within their institutions. They play a vital role in how data is collected, analyzed, and interpreted for better student outcomes.

With advances in generative AI, IR/IE teams can now communicate complex research findings more effectively. A balanced approach to technology is imperative to avoid algorithmic biases. The Association for Institutional Research (AIR) calls for reducing inequalities, which is essential for ethical AI practices in education. The 2025 EDUCAUSE Horizon Report highlights critical competencies such as data literacy, emphasizing the importance of a human-centered approach in utilizing AI for student success.

Expanded Responsibilities of IR/IE Teams

The integration of AI has expanded the scope of IR/IE teams. These professionals are now positioned as key contributors to technology initiatives at their institutions. They are skilled in overseeing projects that demand large-scale data analytics and developing ethical methodologies for research dissemination.

Moreover, IR/IE staff can manage data from various sources—such as learning management systems and early alert systems—to produce strategic outputs that inform policy decisions effectively. Their role involves both conducting research ethically and ensuring that wide-ranging data is used thoughtfully in institutional decision-making.

Core Services Provided by IRES

IRES offers four foundational service areas that bolster institutional research capabilities:

Data Governance: Establish frameworks to improve decision-making and ensure data quality and ethical sourcing.
Data Gathering, Reporting, and Analysis: Support institutions in performance tracking, identify improvement opportunities, and transform raw data into actionable insights.
Organizational Development: Assist in defining assessment methodologies and train leadership in data utilization for informed decision-making.
Decision Support and Institutional Effectiveness: Facilitate accreditation processes and enhance institutional effectiveness through comprehensive data analysis.

Key Data Domains for AI-Driven Student Success

To construct effective predictive models for student success, institutions must gather data from five crucial domains:

Student Demographics: Baseline characteristics such as ethnicity, race, and family background.
Academic Engagement: Student interactions with academic resources and support services.
Social Engagement: Participation in campus activities and communities that influence persistence.
Student Self-Assessments: Insights into personal challenges and non-cognitive factors affecting students’ well-being.
Academic Preparation: Historical data providing context for future performance predictions.

Essential Questions for Institutions

When considering the implementation of AI-driven analytics for student success, institutions should ask:

Who is responsible for data gathering and storage?
Who designs the research methodologies?
How are trends communicated to stakeholders?

Clear answers to these questions ensure institutions can leverage AI tools effectively and ethically. Institutional research professionals are pivotal in guiding this process, ensuring compliance and best practices.

Enhancing Institutional Research Through IRES

By partnering with IRES, educational institutions can elevate their strategic use of data literacy while engaging with AI. IRES consultants promote a human-centered research framework that safeguards ethical standards within technological innovations.

The development of AI strategies should encompass four essential pillars: people, process, technology, and data. By focusing on these areas, institutions can formulate plans that align AI implementation with their core values, enhancing the academic mission without sacrificing ethical principles.

Institutions interested in advancing their AI strategies should consider consulting with IRES to initiate their ethical AI adoption journey. This collaboration will position IR/IE professionals as vital thought leaders in the realm of AI in higher education, fostering a future where technology elevates student success responsibly.